Half Term in February: London Kids Scoop

Each new year, the half term in February seems to come round faster and faster. To be honest, I could do with a break already and I’m looking forward to checking out some of the cool things to do in London for families. In the half term guide you’ll find Vikings, monsters, a Cats and Dogs exhibition, tributes to Beano, Bob Marley, Beatrix Potter and Beethoven, family art workshops, interactive theatre and AR experiences, and our review of an immersive Doctor Who adventure. Take a look.

40+ Fun Family Things to Do this Half Term in February

FEATURED REVIEW

Doctor Who: Time Fracture, UNIT HQ, Davies Mews, W1K 5AB (Bond St tube)
Jed and I were invited** on a secret mission in the heart of 1940s London. On arrival, we were briefed on our assignment — to uncover the mysterious origins of a bomb that had caused a rift in the space-time continuum. Our role was to travel back in time to find out who created the weapon and whether we could stop them from wiping out reality as we know it. Immersive Everywhere, the brains behind The Great Gatsby theatre smash, are running this show so you know it’s going to be a wild, interactive ride. 

From the set designs to the costumes, special effects and cameo appearances (look out for Daleks), they bring the world of Doctor Who viscerally into 3D. The experience whisks you through history to encounter the likes of Will Shakespeare and Leonardo Da Vinci… all with a sci-fi twist. The actors are fully in character from beginning to end and it’s hard not to get swept along with the sense of urgency. My 12-year-old was trying to play it cool at first but soon we were legging it from point to point as we tried to chase our target or escape from certain doom. With video messages from various Doctor Whos urging us on, Time Fracture is a fast-paced, bonkers and surprisingly touching race against the clock. Even if you’re not a mega fan of the TV show (I’ve only watched a few episodes over the years), it’s an engaging and memorable experience. We had a blast.

Recommended for ages 8+ (under 16s must be accompanied by adult). Fancy dress welcome. 12pm, 12.45pm, 1.30pm, 6pm, 6.45pm & 7pm (Tue, Thu & Fri), 6pm, 6.45pm & 7pm (Wed, Sat & Sun); tickets from £29.95 (extended to Sep 2022)

**press tickets

BABES CHOICE

Imagine Children’s Festival at Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
London’s largest family festival celebrates its 20th birthday at Southbank Centre this half term in February. There are 12 days of activities for all ages including shows, exhibitions, comedy, workshops and storytelling. Pick of the festival: Second Hand Dance’s We Touch, We Play, We Dance; intotheclouds (for babies 9-36 months); FUN DMC Hip Hop Block Party free event; Bino & Fino; Josephine; The Dark, a show for ages 5-10; Peppa Pig: My First Concert; Palaver Party; ZooNation’s Hip Hop half term; Club Origami; Julia Donaldson & Friends; Michael Rosen, Adam Kay and Jacqueline Wilson. All ages (some restrictions for individual events). Various times and prices; more than 50% activities FREE (Feb 9-20)

Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature at Victoria & Albert Museum, Cromwell Road SW7 2RL (South Kensington tube)
She was one of Britain’s best loved children’’s book authors, and she was also an ardent conservationist. Learn more about Potter’s life as a scientist and nature lover, through the animals and places that inspired her works. This family friendly exhibition is a collaboration with the National Trust. All ages. 10am-5.45pm (Wed-Sun); from £14 – advanced booking recommended (hurry, few tickets left for February) (opens Feb 12)

Cats and Dogs at Horniman Museum, 100 London Rd, SE23 3PQ (Forest Hill overground)
See a pets-eye view of the world at this immersive exhibition taking us into the lives of some of the nation’s 10.5 million cats and 12.5 million dogs. Explore the social, scientific and cultural role that our furry friends play and go on a sensory expedition to examine what it’s like to be one of these creatures. 10am-5.30pm; adult from £8.50/child from £4.50/family from £15/under 3s FREE (Feb 12-Oct 30)

Telling Tales at Shakespeare’s Globe, Online and On Site at Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, Globe Theatre, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, SE1 9DT (Blackfriars/Southwark tube)
The popular family festival returns to the home of Shakespearean theatre for half term in February. Watch, listen and take part in a series of performances, storytelling, demonstrations and workshops for different ages (under 5s, 5-8, 5-12, 9-12 and 12+). From The Tempest and Macbeth to A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Henry V, Romeo & Juliet and A Winter’s Tale, kids can learn from some of the Bard’s greatest stories. There are also sword fighting and dressmaking demos, as well as activities and games to entertain the whole family. General age suitability 5-12 (younger ones admitted). NB: Some activities are available online. Various dates and times; £12 per adult or child /under 3s do not require a ticket if on a grownup’s lap (Feb 13-Apr 16)

Stonehenge at the British Museum, Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG (Russell Square tube) 
Over half term in February at the British Museum, you can check out the brand new exhibition about one of Britain’s most magical sites. The World of Stonehenge traces its myth and magic from 4000 to 1000 BC and into the present day, showcasing rare items like the Nebra Sky Disc – the world’s oldest surviving map of the stars. 10am-5pm daily (8.30pm Fris); early bird tickets adult from £23/under 16s FREE. (Feb 17-Jul 17)

Beano: The Art of Breaking the Rules at Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA (Charing Cross tube/rail, Temple tube)
Visit Somerset House to catch this landmark exhibition on Brit icon Beano. The world’s longest-running weekly comic is led by the prankster in the stripy jumper, Basher and the gang. The show includes rare artefacts, comic drawings and works by leading designers and artists inspired by the spirit of Beano. 10am-6pm (Sat-Sun & Tue), 11am-8pm (Wed-Fri); adult £16.50/concs £12.50/family of 3 £22/family of 4 £38/under 6s FREE (until Mar 6)

SPECIAL EVENTS

Bob Marley One Love Experience, Saatchi Gallery, Duke of York’s HQ, King’s Road, SW3 4RY (Sloane Square tube) 
An immersive Bob Marley exhibition taking you into the heart of Bob’s life story, from Jamaica to the world. Get up close with personal artefacts, audio, photography and live footage. Explore the One Love forest or the Soul Shakedown silent disco. It’s worth pairing your visit with a trip to the West End musical, Get Up Stand Up, also tracing Marley’s musical journey. All ages. 10am-6pm daily; £11-£91/under 9s FREE (Feb 2-Apr 18)

The Green Planet AR Experience, 55 Regent St, Piccadilly Circus W1B 4DY (Piccadilly Circus/Leicester Square/Green Park tube)
Walk in the footsteps of David Attenborough via augmented reality. You’ll journey through five digitally enhanced worlds to explore the planet’s saltwater, desert, rainforest, freshwater and seasonal environments. Enter the secret kingdom of plants and learn why they are so vital for our future. Inspired by the BBC series and powered by EE’s 5G network. Best for ages 8+, kids under 8 will be allocated mobile devices to share with their adult companion. 10am-6pm (Mon-Wed), 10am-8pm (Thu-Sun); FREE but timed entry tickets required for everyone ages 8+ (Feb 11-Mar 9)

Paul McCartney and Beethoven at British Library, PACCAR 2, The British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB (Euston tube/rail, Kings Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Pop into the British Library to check out exhibitions from two of the nation’s greatest composers. Paul McCartney: The Lyrics is in the free Entrance Hall display spanning his career through The Beatles, Wings and the present day. Then visit the Beethoven display exploring items from manuscripts scrawled in his own distinctive hand to the surviving sketches of his much-loved Pastoral Symphony. Gallery opening hours: 9.30am-6pm (Mon & Wed-Fri), 9.30am-8pm (Tue), The Paul McCartney exhibit is FREE. Beethoven prices: adult from £8/child ages 0-11 FREE/member FREE (until Mar 13/Apr 24)

FAMILY THEATRE & PERFORMANCE

Zog and the Flying Doctor, Rose Theatre Kingston, 24-26 High Street, Kingston, KT1 1HL (Kingston rail)
He’s a student turned air ambulance who’s out to save the ailing, despite his tendency to crash and bump. Zog and the Flying Doctor crew – Princess Pearl and Sir Gadabout – have their hands full with a fluey lion, a sunburnt mermaid and a unicorn with too many horns. But Pearl’s uncle, the King, doesn’t think princesses should be doctors and she’s soon locked in a castle with a frilly dress and crown. Can they rescue her uncle from his outdated ideas? Freckle Productions (Zog, Stick Man) return with another fun take on a Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler picture book. Ages 3+, all ages welcome. Various shows at 10.30am, 1.30pm & 3.30pm (Tue-Sun); £12-£20 (Feb 10-19)

Handa’s Surprise at Little Angel Studios, Sebbon St, N1 2EH (Highbury & Islington/Angel tube)
Hurry, there are just a few tickets left at half term in February for this popular interactive production, returning to Little Angel Theatre and on tour in spring. Travel to Kenya to meet Handa, on her way to see Akeyo in a neighbouring village, carrying a gift basket for her friends. Will she make it with her gifts intact or will 7 cheeky animals ruin her fruity surprise? Live music, physical performance and puppetry bring the picture book to life. Various times (check availability); adult £13.50/child £11.50/under 1s FREE on carers’ lap (Feb 10-Apr 16)

The Singing Mermaid at Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (Wimbledon tube/rail)
A singing mermaid is drawn to a travelling circus, where she’s promised her own pool. But while she’s a hit with the audience, it turns out the circus master is not what he seems. Can she escape and who will help her flee? A cast of three and puppets perform this adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks’ much-loved story to music and songs by Barb Jungr (We’re Going On A Bear Hunt). For ages 3-8. 4.30pm (Feb 11 & 12), 11am & 2pm (Feb 11-20); from £10 (Feb 11-20)

Work the Runway at Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, SW11 5TN (Clapham Junction rail/overground)
Originally billed as London’s first family vogue ball, Work the Runway is a celebration of glamour, glitz and grace. Watch four dancers go toe to toe in an interactive dance, fashion and lip sync battle where the audience picks the winner. Cheer from the sidelines or come dressed to show off your own fab self in style and on the floor. Ages 6+. 12pm, 3pm, 4pm & 6pm; pay what you can/suggested £12 (Feb 17-18)

Let’s All Dance Alice in Wonderland at Sadler’s Wells (Lilian Baylis Studio), Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN (Angel tube)
The company that brought Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker and other classic ballets to the stage for younger audiences is back at Sadler’s Wells. Don’t be late for a very important date with The White Rabbit, Alice and friends (or foes) in this charming adaptation of the Lewis Carroll tale. Suitable for the whole family, best for ages 2-14. Photo opportunity with the dancers after every performance! 1pm & 3pm; from £17 (Feb 17-18)

Vinland at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley N12 0GA (Finchley Central tube)
Lyrical storytelling, animation and live music take the helm in this family show inspired by the Viking sagas of Erik the Red. Jack Dean narrates the little known historical epic of the Vikings last journey to North America, where a settlement was dug up in Newfoundland only a few years back. Best for ages 8+. 12pm & 3pm; from £9 (Feb 18)

Cirque Du Soleil: Luzia at Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AP (South Kensington/High St Kensington tube)
The world famous circus from Quebec is back with a spectacular new show and this half term in February might be your last chance to catch it in London. Enter a Mexican waking dream where light (luz) enchants and rain (lluvia) soothes the soul. Trapeze artists, aerial performers, acrobats, clowns and dancers delight all ages. Best for ages 3+ (kids under 2 free on parent’s lap). From £40.20 to £255.50 for premium with dining (child discounts available for ages 2-12); 11.30am, 3pm, 3.30pm, 7.30pm, 8pm (until Mar 1)

LONDON ATTRACTIONS

Queen Mary I at Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU (Hampton Court rail)
Go back to 1553 for February half term and look behind the scenes into the reign of Mary Tudor. Does she deserve her reputation as one of the goriest rulers of the era? Meet those who knew her best and piece together the journey of her rise and fall. Suitable for all ages. 10.30am-4pm; included with palace admission adult from £25.30/child 5-15 from £12.60/family from £44.20/under 5s and members FREE (Feb 12-20)

Tower Bridge Family Tours, Tower Bridge Road, SE1 2UP (Tower Hill/London Bridge tube/rail, Tower Gateway DLR)
An interactive tour designed  for families to introduce you to the history of one of London’s most famous structures. Why was the Bridge built in the first place? And dare you walk across its glass-bottomed floor? Best for kids ages 6+. Pre-booking essential. 10.30am (every Fri during the school holidays); adult £25/child 5-15 £20 (includes entry to Tower Bridge)/under 5s FREE (Feb 18, Apr 8 & 15)

Marvellous Monarchs Family Day at Westminster Abbey, 20 Dean’s Yard, SW1P 3PA (St James’ Park/Westminster tube)
Visit the historic building to live like a king or queen for a day. Create your own crown to wear as you wander through the site of coronations that have happened since 1066. Hear stories about royalty, rituals and regalia. Follow a Kings and Queens trail and write a special message for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, to be delivered to the Royal Household. Ages 3+. 10am-2pm; free with Abbey admission: adult £24/adult + 1 child 6-17 £24/additional child £10/ages 0-5 FREE and do not require a ticket (Feb 19)

The Fulham Vikings: Family Fun Day, Fulham Palace, Bishop’s Avenue, Fulham, SW6 6EA (Putney Bridge tube/Putney rail)
Head to Fulham Palace to learn all about the Vikings. Find out if there was ever a Viking camp on the historic grounds. Delve into their story and see if you have what it takes to become a Viking. All ages welcome. 11am-3pm; FREE (Feb 20)

NATURE & OUTDOORS

London Wetland Centre: It’s a Wild Life at WWT London, Queen Elizabeth Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT (Barnes/Barnes Bridge rail, Hammersmith tube)
Experience a range of activities for the family at half term in February at the London Wetland Centre. Play in a Mud Kitchen with pots, pans and your imagination (10am-4pm); build dens, tie knots, light fires and toast marshmallows in the Adventure Workshop for ages 7+ (11am & 2pm, £5 per child); follow animal footprints and mammal tunnels in Tracks & Trails (10.30am, 12pm & 2.30pm); or become an expert navigator in the self-guided Map Challenge (collect at admissions desk). Various times, opening hours 9.30am-4.30pm; adult from £13.40/child from £8.13/family from £36.63/under 4s FREE (Feb 12-20)

Vets in Action at London Zoo, Regent’s Park NW1 4RY (Regent’s Park/Camden Town tube)
It’s half term in February and the vets are back in action at London Zoo. Let your kids experience the challenges and perks of looking after animals, by helping the real life zoo vets. They can assist the experts with diagnosing and treating soft toys in the teddy bear clinic, and see them handle a wounded lion, microchipping meerkats or checking a tiger’s teeth! Zoo opens 10am-5pm (last entry 4pm). Vets in Action runs from 11am-1pm & 2pm-4.30pm and is recommended for primary school kids ages 5-10. Activities included in regular admission fee: adult tickets range from £26 (super saver)-£35 (peak)/child £16.90 (super saver)-£22.75 (peak)/under 3s FREE (Feb 12-20)

Family Valentine’s Bouquet Making Workshop at Chelsea Physic Garden,  66 Royal Hospital Road, SW3 4HS (Sloane Square tube)
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a flower tying workshop made for little hands. Kids can select the flowers they’d like to fashion into a sweet floral bouquet to give to their loved ones. Ages 5+. 11am-12pm & 2pm-3pm; £20 per person, includes entry to the garden for that day (Feb 14)

Half Term Fun at Spitalfields City Farm, Buxton Street, London E1 5AR (Shoreditch High St overground/Bethnal Green tube)
One of the coolest urban farms in London (around the corner from buzzy Brick Lane), Spitalfields City Farm is hosting a variety of family activities for half term in February 2022. Kids can take part in Farm to Fork cooking club (11am-1.30pm Tue & Thu); Meet and Bleat animal encounters (2pm-3pm Tue & Thu); Seed Sowing (2.30pm-4pm Tue) and Arts & Crafts drop-in (2.30pm-4pm Thu).  Varied times 11am-4pm; FREE entry (donations welcome) (Feb 15 & 17)

Canary Wharf Ice Rink, Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf, E14 5AB (Canary Wharf tube/DLR)
Half term in February isn’t your obvious time for ice skating, but where there’s a rink, there’s a way. Visit one of London’s coolest spots for gliding, before it closes for the season. Tickets are only available online for the Canary Wharf Ice Rink. Various times between 10am-9.25pm daily; adult £17.95/child £11.95/family £49.50 (until Feb 26)

Orchids at Kew Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE (Kew Gardens tube/Kew Bridge rail, overground)
Escape to Costa Rica via Kew Gardens at the vibrant Orchids festival, one of their most popular annual events. See the glasshouse pond bursting with oranges and yellows to imitate a rising sun. Be dazzled by Ethereal Nature, a series of installations by Costa Rican artist Dino Urpí. Look out for installations of monkeys, sea turtles and the native quetzal bird, as well as the national flower Guarianthe skinneri. included with entry to the gardens: adult from £15/child 4-15yrs £5/family tickets from £23 (until Mar 6)

MUSEUMS & WORKSHOPS

Legacies: Half Term at London Transport Museum, Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 7BB (Covent Garden tube)
This February half term at London Transport Museum, families can explore the new exhibition, Legacies: London Transport’s Caribbean Workforce (opening Feb 11). It shows how generations of people from the Caribbean helped shape London’s transport. See archive photos, posters, films and objects and wander through a fun flag exhibit and family-friendly labels to spark thoughtful conversations about travel, migration and home. Through half term, there are storytelling sessions (11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2.30pm & 3.30pm), design a poster workshops (daily 10.30am-4pm) and some quieter sessions for families with special educational needs (Sun Feb 13 8.30am-10am & Sat Feb 19 6.45pm-7.15pm); included in museum admission – adult annual pass £18.50/child 17 and under FREE (Feb 12-20)

UNIQLO Tate Play: Holiday Make Studio at Tate Modern (Turbine Hall entrance), Bankside, SE1 9TG (Southwark/Blackfriars tube)
Spend a day at Tate with your crew, creating with more families to build something from your imagination. Use everyday materials to make life-size sculptures, 3D models and other feats of fantasy, taking inspiration from the Anicka Yi exhibition. All ages welcome. Drop in from 10am-6pm; FREE but ticket required (Feb 12-20)

Half Term Activities at Postal Museum, 15-20 Phoenix Place, WC1X 0DA (Farringdon/Russell Square/Kings Cross tube/rail)
At the Postal Museum this half term in February, get engaged in the magic of storytelling. Families are encouraged to create their own sensory stories, inspired by the incredible objects, tales and people in the museum along with special guests, author P.G. Bell and storyteller Olivia Armstrong. All ages welcome, best for ages 8+. There’s also a Post Early: Relaxed Event (Feb 15) designed for autistic and neurodiverse people and their families, suitable for all ages. Times vary for activities, opening hours 10am-5pm; adult from £16, child from £9/disabled adult from £14, disabled child from £7/under 3s FREE (Feb 12-20)

Holiday Workshops at Foundling Museum, 40 Brunswick Square, WC1N 1AZ (Russell Square tube) 
Visit the Founding Museum over half term in February to take part in family activities such as making DIY portraits and wind instruments. Design your own biscuit cutter and get baking in the Ship’s Biscuits; make 3D models of seascapes in Sea Soundscapes (Feb 15); design your own uniform and model it for photographer Marysa Dowling (Feb 16); and make a noise in the instrument workshop Which Way the Wind Blows (Feb 17). Coram’s Fields playground is just around the corner for blowing off steam before or after your trip. Sessions 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm (opening hours 10am-5pm Tue-Sat & 11am-5pm Sun); adult £10.50/child FREE (Feb 14-17)

Family Sketching Salon at National Gallery, Trafalgar Square WC2N 5DN (Charing Cross Rd tube/rail)
Take your brood along to the famous art destination for interactive family art this half term in February. Join artist Marc Woodhead for a Family Sketching Salon (Tue-Wed, 11am-4pm), where you can capture paintings and places in a playful way. If you’re staying at home with younger ones, you can still take part in Thursday’s Tales (Thu, 11am-11.30am) online storytelling for under 5s, with storyteller Fiona Alderton leading an adventure through the gallery and beyond. 11am-4pm (Tue-Wed) & 11am-11.30am (Thu/online only); FREE (Feb 15-17)

Welcome Home Friend: Chào mừng bạn về nhà at Museum of the Home, 136 Kingsland Road, E2 8EA (Hoxton overground)
Try out a week of family activities, inspired by a book called The Doll by Nhung N Tran-Davies, exploring how we make ourselves and others feel at home. Nhung shares how a doll from a stranger when she first arrived in Canada helped make her feel welcome. Years later, she passed on this act of kindness by giving the doll to another child refugee. Join in with storytelling and crafts celebrating Vietnamese culture and creators. 11am-4pm; FREE (Feb 15-16, 17 & 19)

FAMILY CINEMA

I watched Mamoru Hosoda’s breathtaking anime Belle (12A) on my birthday eve, and I can’t stop singing its praises (or listening to the soundtrack). This half term in February at the movies, you can also catch Kenneth Branagh’s take on the classic murder mystery Death On The Nile (12A), J-Lo and Owen Wilson meet cute in Marry Me (12A), celebrity voiceovers galore in Sing 2 (U), and Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story reboot (12A). More family friendly movies out now: Clifford The Big Red Dog (PG), Encanto (PG), Spiderman: No Way Home (12A), Belfast (12A), Uncharted (12A), Cyrano (12A) and the epic Dune (12A).

MORE BRILLIANT FAMILY EVENTS OVER HALF TERM IN FEBRUARY

Aurora Orchestra: Far, Far Away family concert at Kings Place, N1 (Feb 12-13)
Half Term Scenic Railcar Service on the Epping Ongar Railway (Feb 12, 13 & 18)
Family Film Club at Barbican Cinema: Bugsy Malone (Feb 12) & Encanto (Feb 19)
Half Term Explorer Quest at Eltham Palace, Greenwich (Feb 12-20)
Rainbow Week: LGBTQ+ Celebrations at National Maritime Museum, Greenwich (Feb 13, 15, 17 & 20)
Half Term Forest School for ages 5-10 at Walthamstow Wetlands (Feb 14 & 17)
Family Discovery Days in Hyde Park and Greenwich Park (Feb 14-18)
Half Term Colouring Workshops at Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross (Feb 15 & 16)
Disco Loco Easy Rollerz (Wednesday soft play disco for under 5s) at Kings Crescent Estate, Hackney (Feb 16-Jun 1)
Kids Workshops: Create, Build, Perform for ages 10-16 at The Albany, Deptford (Feb 17-18)
Wuthering Heights for age 10+ at National Theatre, SE1 (until Mar 19)
Wildlife Photographer of the Year at Natural History Museum, South Kensington (until Jun 5)
Wonderlab interactive gallery at Science Museum, South Kensington (ongoing)

**NB: Please note that all event timings and prices are subject to change/cancellation at short notice, so always check ahead with the venue before making a trip!**